Nothing says “fresh and vibrant” like a classic Greek Salad — full of crisp veggies, salty feta, and bold Mediterranean flavors. This easy and refreshing salad comes straight from The Balanced Plate: Healthy Recipes with Keto Alternatives, my new cookbook available now on Amazon.
If you love meals that are beautiful, nourishing, and quick to make, this one’s for you. With just 15 minutes of prep time and no cooking required, this salad fits perfectly into any healthy lifestyle. Plus, it’s keto-friendly and easily customizable with simple swaps!
For more nutritious and creative meal ideas, visit my recipe collection on my website.
Why I Love This Greek Salad
Greek Salad is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style. It’s fresh, colorful, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, salty olives, creamy feta, and a hint of fresh herbs. What I love most about it is how simple it is to make, yet it always feels special.
This salad isn’t just a side dish, it’s a complete, nourishing meal. The combination of healthy fats from olive oil, protein from cheese or nuts, and fiber from fresh vegetables makes it perfectly balanced for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. It’s proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated or bland.
The secret to making this Greek Salad stand out is the truffle basil pesto dressing. It adds a luxurious, earthy note that elevates the traditional recipe to something truly unforgettable. If you prefer a lighter touch, you can always substitute it with regular basil pesto or drizzle with simple olive oil and vinegar, it’s versatile enough to suit any taste.
I often make this salad when I need something quick but beautiful, whether it’s for lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner with grilled fish or chicken. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare, and the colors alone make it feel like a celebration on a plate.
For those looking to eat clean, live balanced, and enjoy flavor, this Greek Salad checks every box. It’s also featured in my cookbook, The Balanced Plate: Healthy Recipes with Keto Alternatives — where I share more dishes that bring balance, wellness, and joy to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 chopped cucumber
- 1 chopped green bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ⅓ cup pitted Kalamata olives
- ⅓ cup fresh mint
- ⅓ cup fresh basil
- ⅓ cup pistachio or pine nuts*
- 5 oz cubed feta or fresco cheese*
- 2 tbsp truffle basil pesto*
Dressing:
- ¼ cup oil (avocado or olive oil)
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar*
- 1 tbsp drained capers
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 1 tsp grain mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion, olives, mint, and basil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, capers, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Add feta cheese, pesto, and nuts to the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Keto Notes
- Swap feta for queso fresco if you prefer a milder cheese.
- Roast pine nuts before adding for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Truffle basil pesto adds the best flavor, but any basil pesto works beautifully.
- Red wine vinegar can be replaced with balsamic if you like a touch of sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Greek Salad isn’t just healthy, it’s a colorful burst of flavor that fits seamlessly into a balanced lifestyle. It’s one of those dishes that proves eating well doesn’t mean giving up delicious food. Perfect as a side, light lunch, or dinner starter!
For more wholesome recipes like this one, grab your copy of The Balanced Plate: Healthy Recipes with Keto Alternatives on Amazon.
Tags:
#GreekSalad #HealthyRecipes #KetoSalad #MediterraneanDiet #ChefMonikaJensen #LowCarbRecipes #TheBalancedPlate #HealthyLiving #EasyRecipes #KetoFriendly
